The best costume stores in Manitoba

PARTY STUFF
Winnipeg’s “home of Halloween” has three locations jammed with costumes (mostly prepackaged and ready to go, like Snow White and Super Mario). DIYers will be equally psyched: This shop’s enviable accessories collection has thousands and thousands of items (including more than 600 hats and wigs) and is perfect for the pirates and long-locked princesses dominating 2012. THREE LOCATIONS, WINNIPEG. 800-265-7368; PARTYSTUFF.CA

GAGS UNLIMITED
One of the oldest party stores in the province, this Halloween shop is a little weird and different — and proud of it. Life-sized electric chairs, operation tables and zombies are sure to make your house the creepiest on the block. Kids costumes are special-ordered in and the most coveted one this season is Batman. 209 OSBORNE ST., WINNIPEG. 204-453-0133; GAGSUNLIMITED.COM

WHOOO’S THAT?
Housed in the loft of a circa 1922 renovated barn, Whooo’s That? stocks thousands of costumes in all sizes, mostly hand sewn by owner Elly Sotas. She’s created them for as long as she can remember, and has been renting them since 1997. Her weirdest creations? An igloo, followed by three crabby apple trees inspired by The Wizard of Oz. Kids’ costumes usually range from $15 to $25. BY APPOINTMENT, BIRTLE. 204-842-3616; WHOOOSTHAT.COM

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